Name: Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Ripe Bananas: 2 to 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup) Unsalted Butter: 1/3 cup melted Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup Large Egg: 1, beaten Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon Salt: 1/4 teaspoon All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups

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If you’re on the hunt for the best classic quick bread, look no further than this Old Fashioned Banana Bread. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly transports you back to cozy kitchens, warm ovens, and the unbeatable aroma of bananas mingling with vanilla. Each bite is soft, sweet, and tender, making it a family favorite for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. What makes Old Fashioned Banana Bread so special is its perfect balance of moistness and rich banana flavor, with just the right amount of sweetness. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with everyday ingredients, and how the results are always incredibly comforting and delicious.

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes are a few humble staples to create the irresistible magic of Old Fashioned Banana Bread. Every ingredient plays its role in shaping the bread’s flavor, texture, and golden-brown color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you really don’t want to leave anything out:

Ripe Bananas: These are the heart of the recipe—make sure your bananas are deeply spotted for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds delicious richness; melting it ensures it incorporates smoothly for tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Lends just enough sweetness and helps the bread achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Large Egg (beaten): Binds everything together and gives the bread a lovely rise.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla makes the banana flavor shine and brings warmth to every bite.
Baking Soda: Essential for leavening, it makes the bread rise properly without a dense texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the loaf, providing structure while keeping things tender.

How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray—this ensures your banana bread slides out effortlessly and keeps its perfect loaf shape.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab your ripest bananas and mash them on the bottom of a large mixing bowl with a fork. Don’t worry if a few small lumps remain—they just add character and extra banana flavor to your Old Fashioned Banana Bread.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the melted butter and stir it together with the banana until well combined. Next, add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients now guarantees a smooth, even flavor every time.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir briefly so everything is distributed, then add the flour. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined—over-mixing can make your Old Fashioned Banana Bread dense.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out smoothly. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. This wait is the hardest part, but so worth it!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread

Garnishes

A classic approach is to serve each slice plain, but you can top it with a smear of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even dust it lightly with powdered sugar. For extra flair, sprinkle some cinnamon or toasted nuts over the bread just before serving.

Side Dishes

Old Fashioned Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with creamy Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries for breakfast. For a more indulgent dessert or afternoon treat, enjoy it alongside a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your banana bread and grilling each piece lightly for a caramelized edge, or cube it up and layer with whipped cream and fruit to make a trifle. It’s also fantastic toasted with a spread of nut butter for a satisfying snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Old Fashioned Banana Bread fresh, wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps lock in moisture so every bite stays soft and delicious.

Freezing

Banana bread freezes beautifully! Once your loaf is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then stash it in the freezer. It will keep for up to three months—just be sure to thaw overnight on the counter before serving.

Reheating

A few seconds in the microwave (about 15 seconds per slice) brings Old Fashioned Banana Bread right back to life. Or, pop it in a toaster oven for a warm, slightly crispy edge—a real treat, especially with a dab of butter.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Old Fashioned Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They might even provide a stronger banana flavor since freezing concentrates their sweetness.

What are some tasty mix-ins?

Nuts like walnuts or pecans, or a handful of chocolate chips are classic additions. Feel free to get creative with a swirl of peanut butter, shredded coconut, or even a handful of dried fruit for something different.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

Usually, sinking happens if the bread was underbaked or if there was too much moisture. Make sure to test for doneness with a toothpick and double-check your banana measurements for best results.

Can I make Old Fashioned Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The results will still be deliciously moist and flavorful, though texture might be slightly different.

Is it okay to reduce the sugar?

You can absolutely adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. Reducing the sugar to 1/2 cup still yields a lovely loaf, especially if your bananas are extra ripe.

Final Thoughts

If you love nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treats, you simply have to try making Old Fashioned Banana Bread for yourself. It’s cozy, foolproof, and makes any day feel a little bit more special. Happy baking—and don’t forget to sneak a warm slice for yourself!

Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this classic Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Moist, flavorful, and packed with ripe bananas, it’s a family favorite!

Ingredients

Ripe Bananas:

2 to 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)

Unsalted Butter:

1/3 cup melted

Granulated Sugar:

3/4 cup

Large Egg:

1, beaten

Vanilla Extract:

1 teaspoon

Baking Soda:

1 teaspoon

Salt:

1/4 teaspoon

All-Purpose Flour:

1 1/2 cups

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas, add melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle in baking soda, salt, and flour. Stir until just combined.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!